KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

INTRODUCTION 

Wild, Raw, Dangerous and untamed, along with Crocodile Dundee screaming, “that’s not a knife!”, are some of the words used to describe Kakadu National Park.

If there was ever to be an Australian version of the Jungle Book, this is certainly where it would be filmed! Here travellers can find a huge deposit of aboriginal culture, wildlife, jaw dropping landscapes and plant life. Its no wonder, that for so long, so many adventurers have flocked this icon of Australia.

Boasting an impressive 19, 804sq km, Kakadu National Park is home to 1700 plant species, 280 bird species, 117 reptile species and 10, 000 different types of insects. Not only this, but Kakadu is home to the aboriginal people who have inhabited this land for more than 40, 000 years and reminders of this ancient legacy still remain through aboriginal rock art, old rock shelters and recovered tools and ochre quarries.  The park is jointly run and co-orindated by both the Australia government and the traditional Aboriginal people.

 Located only three hours away from Darwin, Kakadu is sited as on the world heritage list and it one of the most sought after national parks in the world for travelers from all regions. Considered by many to be an outdoor adventure destination, Kakadu National Park is filled with raging waterfalls and river systems, rugged four wheel drive and bushwalking tracks along with many areas in which ourdoor fans can park up and set camp for the night.  

Kakadu National Park is one of few places within Australia where there has been no extinctions of plants or animals for over 200 years. 
Kakadu is particularly famous for its reptile species, the most amazing of which is the dangerous Australian Saltwater Crocodile which are considered the largest in the world. They are found patrolling the waterways throughout much of the park. Frill-necked lizards are also very common in the park along with Goannas which we also well known. Kakadu National Park is also home to a large number of water pythons and other snakes types which are highly venomous. These include the infamous king brown and the deaf adder.
Furthermore, Kakadu is a playing field for large amounts of waterbirds such as pelicans, egrets, herons, ducks, eagles, brolgas and geese! All these birds breed and feed around the waters of the flood plains, which is a good indication where one might have the best viewing points!
Although Kakadu boasts a high population of animal and plant species, there are still many yet to be discovered and described by modern science!

It is believed by the aboriginal people that Kakadu National Park was created and shaped by their spiritual ancestors during the Creation Time. These spiritual ancestors travelled across the country creating landforms, animals, plants and also the Bininj/Mungguy (Aboriginal People). They also established laws in which to live, language, kinship and ecological knowledge to help the Aboriginal people of Kakadu live and look after their land.
Aboriginals have occupied Kakadu National Park for more than 40,000 years! This is evident by the many cave paintings and rock carvings that record the history of the inhabitants from the age of hunter-gatherers to the present day.
The name “Kakadu” derives directly from the Aboriginal language of Gagadju which was one of many languages spoken in the northern end of the park during the twentieth century. Although Gagadju is no longer spoken there are still descendants of this language group still living in Kakadu National Park.

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HISTORY

Kakadu National Park was first established during time when the population of Australia were starting to become interested in conservation for National Parks whilst also recognising Aboriginal rights for land. It was in 1975 that Kakadu was declared a National Park and included the Aboriginals as the rightful owners and traditions residents of the area. The aboriginals have occupied Kakadu for at least 40, 000 years which has been demonstrated archaeologically.

The natural and cultural riches of Kakadu National Park were recognised internationally when the park was officially plaed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is an international register of properties that are deemed as having outstanding cultural and natural values of international significance.

The Aboriginal people of the park are the descendants of various clans that have originated from the Kakadu area and have long standing affiliations with this area of Australia. Although their lifestyle has been dramatically changed in recent years, their traditional customs and beliefs remain very important. Approximately 500 Aboriginals live within Kakadu Park and many of them are traditional owners. These natural residents along with the Australia government manage the look after the park.

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KAKADU NATIONAL PARK TIPS

When to go:
Anytime from April till October during the Dry season. The Wet season can be hard for visitors, along with many attractions being closed due to flooding, however it is still an amazing time to visit the park.

How long:
2 Days is considered the minimum that you should put aside to explored Kakadu National Park. Remember, its 3 hours drive from Darwin!

What to bring:
Depending on what your doing, the main things you should take are:
- Sunscreen and Hat
- Comfortable Footwear and clothes
- Insect Repellent
- Map of the park
- First aid kit

Its a good idea also to plan ahead where you would like to visit in the park and plan accordingly for that. Also, if travelling by car, be sure to get a hold of a four wheel drive as many of the roads to the waterfalls are unsealed road.

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GETTING AROUND KAKADU NATIONAL PARK!

Kakadu National Park has two entrances. The most common entrance for visitors is the northern side which can be reached via the Arnhem Highway and is approximately 160km east of Darwin. Most tour groups use this route as it’s the quickest and easiest way to get into Kakadu.

The south entrance is usually for those who are coming from other destinations such as Katherine or Litchfield national parks. This entrance is just off the Stuart Highway where you need to turn right in Pine Creek which is located 230km south of Darwin. From the Pine Creek turn off its another 60km along the Kakadu Highway until you reach the southern entrance.

Once in Kakadu, there are many signs which can help direct you to where you want to go and many of main roads are made of solid bitumen. However, if you intend on visiting some waterfalls such as Jim Jim and Twin falls, these roads are dirt and strictly require a four wheel drive. This is perhaps where an organized tour might be a better option.

Kakadu is also accessible by air and there are many different companies that specialize in scenic flights through Kakadu which depart either Darwin or Jabiru!

However, when considering travelling in the kakadu by vehicle it is very important that you check the road and weather conditions before embarking on your journey. This is particularly important if you are travelling between the months of November and March which falls under the wet season.

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CLIMATE

Kakadu National Park’s climate is monsoonal. The park and is located in the tropical north of Australia between 12° and 14° south of equator. Kakadu Park has to seasons: the Dry Season and the Wet Season. The Dry season is between the months of April and September is characterized by low humidity levels and a cool temperature which hovers around 25°c. This is also Kakadu National Parks busiest time of year for tourism as most travellers find the dry season the most comfortable time to visit. The wet season is the hottest time of the year for Kakadu and is evident by large amounts of storms and monsoonal rain as well as high humidity levels and temperature. The wet season is generally between the months of October and December. During this time visitors and local can find it very uncomfortable however, the storms are impressive and lightning strikes are common. In face, the Top End of Australia hold the records for the most lightning strikes per year then anywhere else on the planet. The maximum average temperature for Kakadu National Park during the wet season during October is about 37°c.
 

Most Non Aboriginal people living in Top End only refer to the wet and dry seasons. The Aboriginal people ( The Bininj/Mungguy ) use as many as six different seasons of weather in Kakadu National Park. Periods of torrential rain and long dry spells mean that Kakadu can change its appearance according to the season. This is why it’s a good idea to visit Kakadu National Park twice, once during the wet and dry.

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KAKADU ATTRACTIONS

» JIM JIM FALLS
Cut into the magnificent Arnhem Land Escarpment, Jim Jim Falls boasts an impressive 200 meters in height and typically flows between the months of November and April which is the time of the wet seasons here in the Northern Territory. During this time visitors can expect the area to by closed for swimming as it is far too dangerous however, towards the end of the season when it’s a little calmer and during the dry season ( May – October ) it makes for a amazing trek and swim.
Access to Jim Jim falls is through the use of 4 wheel drive which is needed for the Jim Jim Falls dirt track which you can find east of the Kakadu highway 43 kilometers just south of Jabiru. Although access is by four wheel drive only, travelers should allow a traveling time of around 30 minutes each way.
Many car hire business’s restrict the use of their vechiles in such areas, so double check with your dealer before you venture here with a hired four wheel drive car. Alternatively, a Kakadu tour is a great way to see this area.

» TWIN FALLS
Twin Falls is located 10 kilometres south of Jim Jim falls and access to this area is via the same road taken to Jim Jim Falls which is east of the Kakadu Highway 43 kilometres south of Jabiru. From the Twins Falls carpark there is a further 10 kilometre drive south through which you will need to cross Jim Jim Creek. This creek can be up to one metre in depth and you may need a snorkel on your vehicle to cross. Again, this is strictly a four wheel drive track only and users should allowed 30 minutes traveling time each way.
Once at Twin Falls Gorge travelers can take a guided boat cruise up to the falls itself ( fees apply: roughly $10 ). From here visitors can take a stroll along the boardwalk towards the falls. Although back in the 90s tourists were permitted to swim in this area, it has since been closed for swimming due to crocodiles inhabiting the area. Much like Jim Jim Falls, during the wet season they flow heavily but slow down to a trickle during the Dry season.

» GUNLOM FALLS
One of the most beautiful areas in Kakadu national park, Gunlom falls comprises of two sections; the top and the bottom. Although visitors have the option of swimming down at the bottom of the falls, if your willing to take the hike up to the top, a series of waterholes awaits along with one of the most famous and breath taking views one can get of Kakadu. And this can be enjoyed whilst swimming in the waterholes at the top.
To reach Gunlom turn east off the Kakadu Highway onto the Gunlom Falls track and drive for 20 kilometres to Yurmikmik.
Around this area are a series of interconnected walking tracks that can make for a great experience during the wet seasons ( Nov – Apr ).
To get to Gumlom falls continue past Yurmikmik to the Gunlom Y junction and turn left. From here you will need to travel a further 10 kilometres. Be careful when travelling down this raod as it is unsealed and sandy. This is due to the continuous flood of the road each year during the wet season.

» BARRAMUNDI GORGE
Located almost in the middle of Kakadu and lying just of the Kakadu Highway, Maguk is a series of plunge pools, waterfalls and underwater tunnels.
To reach the pools travelers must walk along a 1km trail through a beautiful monsoonal forest comprising of lush vegetation and sounds of the wilderness to eventually arrive at the bottom level of Maguk. Here one can experience crystal clear water of the bottom plunge pool or hike up to the top where a series of smaller water holes and underwater tunnels await.

» JABIRU
Jabiru is located right in the heart of Kakadu at the meeting points of the Arnhem and Kakadu Highways and acts as the center of society in the national Park. Originally a small mining town, Jabiru features a small town plaza that includes a video souvenir shop, a supermarket, bank, tackle shop, cafe, hairdresser, post office, news agency, bank and bakery as well as government, Northern Land Council offices, Magistrates Courts and emergency services. During the Wet season (October to April), Jabiru experiences heavy rain that often results in widespread flooding along the Arnhem Highway and Kakadu Highway.

» NOURLANGIE ROCK
Nourlangie rock is an aboriginal art site located in the eastern side of Kakadu Park. From a distance the site appears to be a lonesome mountain of rock amongst a field of trees and bush and for tens of thousands of years has been home to the aboriginals of the region.
Evidence to this lineage comes from the numerous amounts of rock art which can be found throughout the site. Many of these paints have been created in order to support the important cultural stories concerning ancient beliefs, laws, social values and ceremonies.
Reaching the paintings is done by foot and is only a short distance away from the Nourlangie carpark. The track takes you on a circular path around the site and is about 1.5km long.
During dry season ( April – September ) members of the park rangers and local aboriginals provide visitors with an informative talk on the ancient art site; free of charge.

» UBIRR ARTSITE
One of the more famous locations in kakadu; Ubirr is famous for its breathtaking views and ancient aboriginal rock paintings. Its located in the East Alligator region of Kakadu and is made up of a group of rocks that outcrop on the egde of the Nadab floodplains. The rock art here depicts religious icons and animals as well as important cultural stories concerning ancient beliefs, laws, social values and ceremonies.
However, the rock art is not the only reason why visitors frequent this area. The views from the top are world renowned and provides travelers with a panoramic view of the floodplains and escarpments that is especially beautiful at sunset. Many of the famous pictures of Kakadu are taken from this exact spot.
The rock art can be viewed by a simple circular walk which goes for about 1km. However, a moderately steep 250m climb will take you to the top where you can take in the amazing views of the floodplains.
Roads to this area are subject to seasonal conditions and should be checked before departure.

» YELLOW WATERS
An area in kakadu which should not be missed by visitors, Yellow water is filled with flora and fauna and is a cultural icon of the area.
Located near Cooinda lodge just off the Kakadu Highway, this land-locked billabong is home to large numbers of crocodiles, bird species, marine life, wild horses and buffalo.
To see this area, travellers can enjoy a boat cruise, fishing trip or explore the area by a system of interconnecting board walks.

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HIKING AREAS

» GUNGARRE MONSOON WALK: South Alligator River AreaFeatures: Kakadu Resort is surrounded by Gungarre Monsoon Forest and the billabong walk takes you through a monsoon forest, along the edge of a billabong and finally through fringing woodlands. The chance to see flora and Aboriginal use of plants from the three habitats, monsoonal vine forest, floodplain and woodland. The walk is open all year round, is 3km. Allow: 1.5 hours.

» MAMUKALA WETLANDS - Nourlangie AreaFeatures: Mamukala is a wetlands observation platform with well presented information. Viewing is all year round, it is at its most dramatic in the late Dry Season, when thousands of Magpie Geese congregate to feed on the Mamukala Wetlands. Choose from a 1km to 3km trail and walk to see these wetlands. Open all year round and entry is free.Allow: 1.5 hours.

» MIRRAI LOOKOUT - Nourlangie AreaFeatures: Mirrai Lookout walk, 30 kilometres south of the Bowali Visitor Centre, is in the Nourlangie Area. The walk takes you to a platform lookout on Mount Cahill. Around 3.6 kilometres return, the walk involves a steep climb, making it more difficult than most.Allow: 2.5 hours.

» UBIRR - East Alligator Region:Features: There are currently four hiking trailas and walking tracks, ranging from the comfortable1 km walk graded easy at Ubirr.Allow: 1 hour

» SANDSTONE & RIVER WALK - East Alligator Region:Features: (dry season only) Starts off the Bardedjilidji walk located in the Ubirr Area (See East Alligator Area link). An easy 6.5 km marked circular walk which takes you past Catfish Creek, floodplains, billabongs, sandstone outliers and the East Alligator River. The Bardedjilidji walk leads to the rocky outcrops of Arnhemland and is one of Kakadu's best short walks at just over an hour to complete comfortably.A recommended attraction.Allow: 4 hours.

» NOURLANGIE - Nourlangie AreaFeatures: This art site is a flat 4 km, up to 2hr walk from Nourlangie Rock. The fact that the access road is very corrugated and doesn't get tour buses means the art site sees fewer visitors. Nanguluwur includes images from the Contact period when Aborigines first encountered explorers and settlers. Allow: 2 hours.

» BARRK BUSHWALK - Nourlangie AreaFeatures: This marked walk branches off the Nourlangie Rock lookout track, just past the Main Gallery (see Nourlangie Area link). A 12 km difficult walk through the sandstone country of Nourlangie, past the Nanguluwur art gallery and back to the car park. See the Barrk Walk Park Note. Allow: 6 to 8 hours.

» BARRK MARLAM BUSHWALK - Jim Jim Falls AreaFeatures: (dry season only) This marked day walk branches off the Jim Jim Falls Plunge Pool track (see Jim Jim Falls Area link). A difficult 6 km return through the rugged stone country typical of the Arnhem Land Plateau. Allow: 6 to 8 hours.

» BUDJMI LOOKOUT - Jim Jim Falls AreaFeatures: Starts at the Day Use / Picnic Area near the Jim Jim Creek crossing. A 1km return walk to the top of a rocky outcrop which provides great views of the escarpment cliffs. Allow: 1 hour.

» JIM JIM FALLS PLUNGE POOL - Jim Jim Falls AreaFeatures: Jim Jim Falls Plunge Pool A 2km return walk through monsoon forest and over boulders will take you to a deep plunge pool surrounded by spectacular, 150-metre high cliffs. This walk is suitable for people who are fit and can manage uneven terrain (large boulders, often slippery). Visitors who choose to swim at the Jim Jim Falls plunge pool do so at their own risk. Please note the visitor safety page regarding crocodiles and all crocodile warning signs on site. Do not enter the water downstream of the Jim Jim Falls plunge pool. Estuarine crocodiles may be present. Allow: 1 to 2 hours.

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